5 reasons why Serena plays second fiddle to Sharapova on highest-paid athletes list

Tennis sensation Maria Sharapova yet again rules the Forbes’ list of highest-paid female athletes.

World No 1 Serena Williams’ estimated earnings are $24.6 million.

The Russian beauty is the top female athlete and tennis player on Facebook with 15 million fans. Official Maria Sharapova App was launched in March to provide fans a behind-the-scenes look at her life on and off the court.

Sensational Sharapova: 11 years of domination and counting!

So what makes the 28-year-old to cling on to her Forbes accolade for another year.

1. Tennis is one of the few big-money sports where the earnings of women are somewhat comparable to men, though Sharapova’s income nonetheless was significantly less than the $67 million earned by Roger Federer, the top tennis player on the latest Forbes men’s list.

2. The Forbes list also includes earnings from appearances, licensing and endorsements, personal business interests and, in some cases, salary. Williams is arguably the greatest female athlete, but sponsors have often avoided the 21-time Grand Slam singles champion.

3. In 2012, Sharapova launched her own candy line, Sugarpova. The brand is now available in more than 30 countries.

4. Sharapova bounced back from an injury riddled 2013 to win the 2014 French Open, triggering lucrative bonuses from sponsors like Nike and Head, Forbes said.

5.  Her other major partners are Avon, Evian, Porsche and Tag Heuer.